BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEVADA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4
4 min read

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIORS AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION THROUGH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Behavioral Support Services in Nevada offer therapeutic interventions and structured support for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health challenges. These services help individuals manage behaviors, develop coping strategies, and improve social interactions, promoting community inclusion and independence. Behavioral Support Services are authorized under Nevada Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Behavioral Support Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Behavioral Support Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Behavioral Support Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Behavioral Support Services aim to address challenging behaviors, develop coping mechanisms, and support emotional well-being through structured interventions.

Approved providers may deliver:

Behavioral Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of behaviors, triggers, and environmental factors.
Behavioral Intervention Planning: Developing tailored strategies to manage challenging behaviors.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS): Teaching alternative, positive behaviors through reinforcement.
Therapeutic Counseling: Individual or group therapy focusing on behavioral health and emotional regulation.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support during behavioral emergencies to ensure safety.
Skill Development: Enhancing communication, social interaction, and problem-solving abilities.
Family and Caregiver Training: Educating families on behavioral management and support techniques.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and tailored to the participant’s behavioral needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Nevada Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Behavioral Support provider via the Nevada Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain necessary professional licenses (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for behavioral assessment, intervention planning, crisis management, and safety protocols.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant behavioral health training requirements.

4. NEVADA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nevada Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Behavioral Support Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS and ADSD evaluate provider readiness, including behavioral protocols, staff qualifications, and safety procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Behavioral Support Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nevada Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Professional licenses (e.g., BCBA, LMHP)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and crisis response protocols
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and therapeutic intervention guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and training requirements
- Documentation standards for progress tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Crisis management and safety planning protocols
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Support Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or behavioral sciences; BCBA or LMHP certification; experience in behavioral program supervision.

Role: Behavioral Therapists / BCBA / LMHP

Requirements: State licensure or certification; experience with behavioral assessment and intervention; background clearance.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; training in behavioral support techniques; CPR/First Aid certification; background screening.

All staff must complete:

Behavioral intervention and crisis management training
HIPAA compliance and client rights education
De-escalation and positive behavior support training
Annual competency evaluations and professional development

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Behavioral Support Services are available under the following Nevada Medicaid Waivers:

Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-IDD)
Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver
Physical Disabilities Waiver
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver

Services may include: